Indian golfer Arjun Atwal has won his first golf tournament in US in spite of his injury and lack of practice. Atwal has also managed to earn a ticket back to the US PGA Tour for 2009 by winning the Chattanooga Classic. By winning the tournament, Atwal earned the prize money of more than $240,000. The former Asian Tour No. 1, Atwal now has Tour cards in Asia, Europe, Nationwide and PGA Tour.

 

Atwal, leader by three after the third round, dropped a double bogey on 16th to come back into a tie. He then hit a great eagle putt on the 18th only to see the ball just miss the cup, but then birdied the hole to finish at 24-under 264. But his playing partner Simpson also birdied the final hole to catch up with the Indian at 24-under and force a play-off. On the first play-off hole, Atwal sank his birdie, but Simpson missed his from five feet and Atwal was through.

 

After winning the title in America, the Indian golfer seemed very elated. He said that it is a great feeling to win in America for which he has been trying very hard. Besides this, the win has allowed to get back his card for the PGA Tour. The former Asian Tour No. 1, Atwal has won on the Asian and European Tours in 2008.